Category: blog
The Role of Compliant Waste Disposal in Commercial Site Clearance
As a leading UK waste management company, we fully understand the importance of safe and compliant site waste clearance.
Every site presents its own unique challenges and complex considerations. However, thorough planning and responsible site clearance services are required in order to avoid environmental and safety risks.
In this article, we’ll look at the different types of work we take on as part of our site clearance service.
When is site waste clearance required?
Site clearance may be required in a wide range of situations, and across different industries – some examples include:
- Decommissioned industrial or commercial facilities
Decommissioning industrial or commercial sites often involves removing old equipment, structures and hazardous and non-hazardous materials. Carrying out this service prepares the site for redevelopment or safe abandonment. - Construction and demolition projects
Many newer development plots are on sites that have been established for other uses, from industrial to commercial. Before construction begins, waste streams, redundant storage structures and other unwanted debris must be cleared away safely. - Brownfield sites and change of use – commercial to residential
Whether abandoned or redundant, many brownfield sites that have been used for commercial or industrial purposes have the potential to contaminate the environment and risk public health. It is vital to carry out thorough clearance and remediation on underutilised sites that are no longer operational. - Infrastructure development
Before constructing roads or other transport/infrastructure projects, land must be cleared of all accumulated waste and storage structures.
The risks of improper site waste clearance
Adherence to safety protocols and regulations is vital. If site waste isn’t identified, contained and removed properly, it can create many significant problems, including:
- Environmental contamination of soil and surrounding land
- Damage to ecosystems and wildlife
- Leak risks, leading to pollution of waterways and groundwater
- Air contamination
- Fire and explosion risks
- Damage to buildings and infrastructure
- Risks to human health, especially workers and nearby communities
- Community disruption – nuisances including odours, vermin infestations and aesthetic degradation
- Fines and penalties
- Legal action and prosecution
- Reputational damage
The many and varied risks associated with improper site waste clearance underscore the importance of responsible waste management.
Demonstrating our onsite services
We are regularly asked to assist industrial and commercial companies with site waste removal and clearance.
We were contacted by the new manager of a site that had previously been used for commercial-level agricultural purposes. This is an overview of our approach to site clearance:
- Initial site survey
We visited the site and investigated what specific services were required. We created a detailed step-by-step plan for site clearance. - Chemist’s audit
Having identified multiple unknown chemicals onsite, we sent in a specialist chemist to complete a full inventory.The chemist sampled and analysed a wide range of chemicals, including tanks full of unknown liquids. He labelled and documented all of the chemicals before detailing safe and compliant containment, removal and disposal methods for each substance. - Chemical waste removal
Specialist services were required to remove and dispose of insecticides, pesticides and several banned substances. - Clinical waste removal
We uncovered a variety of hazardous clinical materials, including ‘sharps’ which require careful disposal. - Non-hazardous packaged waste removal
- Paint and solvent removal
- Fuel and oil tank decommissioning
We emptied, cleaned and dismantled a number of fuel and oil tanks which were transported off-site via HIAB. - Agricultural tyre removal and disposal
- ‘Contaminated’ land remediation
We identified a pile of loose shale and shingle that was believed to be contaminated. After receiving sample analysis confirming that the shale was non-hazardous, we arranged for its uplift by grab lorry for onward recycling.
In addition to the services above, we also offer:
- CCTV camera surveys for drainage
- Gully pot and interceptor clearing and cleaning
- Confined space entry work – underground and above-ground tanks and silos
- Tank emptying, cleaning and removal
- Recycling or recovery of waste, whenever possible
- Rebates for waste metal
Choosing the right waste management company
If you’re looking for a waste management company to provide site clearance services, here are 4 important considerations:
- Are they reputable?
Reputation is important. Look for online reviews or feedback from customers or industry peers to gain insight into the supplier’s reliability and professionalism. Positive endorsements indicate that the waste management company is consistent and meets (or exceeds) their customer’s expectations. - Are they licensed and qualified?
Compliance is key. Check that the company holds all relevant licenses and certifications required by law and industry standards/regulations. Non-mandatory certifications, like ISO 14001 for environmental management systems, further demonstrate credentials. - Do they have the expertise required for your site?
Check that the company has the knowledge and capability to handle your particular waste streams, both safely and responsibly. Offering a range of waste stream disposal services enables a coordinated and integrated approach to the clearance of your site. - Safety is paramount
Ensure the company in question has robust procedures in place for safe waste handling and disposal to minimise environmental impact and harm to public health. Safety protocols should protect workers, bystanders and the local community. Can they provide you with specific Risk Assessment and Method Statements for the required work?
Call the experts in industrial and commercial site clearance
Whether you’re preparing a site for a change of use, clearing it for residential development or simply decommissioning it, responsible site waste clearance is crucial.
Here at Yellowstone, we act as a one-stop shop for site clearance projects. We also have a network of trusted specialist suppliers and disposal outlets who can be subcontracted to supplement our services.
To find out how we can help you with your site clearance requirements, please contact our friendly team on 0330 118 0381. Alternatively, please send us a message by completing our enquiry form.